Black history is for everyone

When many people think of Black History Month, they think the celebration of strides African Americans have made throughout history does not apply to them if they are of a different race. The truth is, though, history tells a story that pertains to us all.

Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced in 1926 that the second week of February would be “Negro History Week.” The response from the black community was so overwhelming. During America’s bicentennial in 1976, the U.S. government officially recognized the expansion of a week of celebrations to a full month.

Many of us can trace our family history to groups of people who were oppressed by their fellow countrymen and government due to race, religion or gender. Instead of accepting defeat, though, so many of the oppressed fought to be recognized as Americans who were equal to all citizens.

Today, all of us, no matter our skin color, can thank those who came before us for the rights we have today. We often thank our soldiers for freedoms but we forget of the many civilians who worked each day to fight unfair practices both in government and society.

Celebrating Black History Month is more than simply celebrating one race; it is celebrating what the human spirit is capable of overcoming when being held down is no longer an option.

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Posted by Graphic Designer 2
on Feb 14 2013. Filed under Editorial.
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